The site symbolically remains the cradle of champagne. Hautvillers Abbey was founded in 650 by Saint Nivard, Archbishop of Reims. A prophetic dove is said to have indicated him a location where he had to create a new monastery. The abbey welcomed Dom Pérignon (1638-1715), whose life is closely associated with the creation of champagne wine. He is said to have invented the méthode champenoise (Champagne method) that allowed the wine to become effervescent. He also imposed the use of cork, and some say that he even created the shape of the champagne flutes. His grave stands inside Saint-Syndulphus Church, in Hautvillers Abbey.